A bronze Fonz? Really?

An online journal about visual art, the urban landscape and design. Mary Louise Schumacher, the Journal Sentinel's art and architecture critic, leads the discussion and a community of writers contribute to the dialogue.

Let me just say from the top, I am a fan of the Fonz and Happy Days. I'm a fan, even, of things that celebrate Milwaukee's "old" image. I also think kitsch has its place in the world and art shouldn't be shy about referencing popular culture, aka TV.

What I am NOT a fan of is art conceived by PR people rather than artists.

And that's precisely what Visit Milwaukee is putting into motion with its proposed bronze Fonzie sculpture, as described in today's story by my colleague Tom Daykin.

A bronze Fonz may not be horrid, but it is just so expected, predictible, literal.

One of the greatest things about public art is its ability to surprise. I'm not even sure we know what that's like here in Milwaukee.

This city, which is known around the world now for its art museum, is simply continuing what has been a rather pathetic track record when it comes to public art in recent years.

Imagine, instead, what would happen if Visit Milwaukee decided to commission a work of art that celebrates Milwaukee's beer-and-brats heritage or even something as specific as Happy Days. And then let the ARTISTS do what they do, conceive of the artwork.

I'd love to see what artists might come up with. Unfortunately, with a prepackaged plan like the bronze Fonz, we'll never get to hear those kinds of ideas.

While we strive for a lively and vigorous debate of the issues, we do not tolerate name calling, foul language or other inappropriate behavior. Please see our discussion guidelines and terms of use for more information.

While we do our best to moderate comments, we do not screen comments before they are posted. If you see a comment that violates our guidelines, please use the "Report Abuse" link to notify us of the issue.

I love the idea of a competition for the commision of the scuplture and not tying it to a lifesize statue. I would propose an 8 foot tall hand with an extended thumb. I think any public funds devoted to commisioned artworks should necessarily be subjected to a competition. Although having a lifesize bronze fonz is much cooler than not having one.

I think it would be hilarious. I am ALL for it, as long as it sits in front of the Visit Milwaukee office. They are an absolute joke of an organization anyway. I think it's a perfect monument to symbolize their lack of vision and incompetence.

Then after someone (probably me) sets up a website to display all the photos of people doing inappropriate things to the sculpture, the organization will be dissolved and Sprit of Milwaukee can take over. Milwaukee will finally be portrayed in a way that doesn't make us look like an international joke anymore.

I would first like to go on record as saying that a life size Fonz is 10 giant leaps backward for Milwaukee. I do not, however, take issue with the creation of art by PR people. The creation of art has no ownership by a select group. Just take a walk through the Eisner.

I can see both sides of opinion on this one. On the one hand not all art has to be edgy, anymore than all good architecture has to be groundbreaking to make a positive contribution. "The Fonz" was and still makes a positive connotation for the city, representing a cool aspect that really did exist here and in other small towns across America... many of us lived it. So in a sense, this statue would be honoring more than a t.v. character, it would be honoring our city's authenticity and genuine blue color values, things worth honoring. Isn't that a large part of what Harley represents with it's image and marketing? But I also agree with those that worry about "design by pr" committee, although I suspect all public art goes through similar hoops and are judged by equally unqualified people who happen to have political connections, I mean these committee's are not voted in by the people so far as I know. That's a major flaw in the concept of public art isn't it, that those who are chosen to judge worthiness are themselves of questionable worthiness to judge? I doubt there is a solution that will satisfy most people.

Shortly after landing in Milwaukee from Chicago in 1986, I discovered the Mark di Suvero creation at the east end of Wisconsin Avenue. I thought, "Wow, this is great -- you can't say this is a "Happy Days" town anymore. Well, well, well...now, 21 years later, we need to deal with the Fonz. While I enjoyed the TV show, I'd say this statue ought to be located in front of some 50's - style diner, not downtown.

I disagree. More public art project should be concieved from a PR point of view. It's PUBLIC art and requires connections with PUBLIC memory both today and in the future. The problem is not the PR, but the lack of consideration as to the specific artwork. If they want generic bronze sculpture, send a photograph of the FONZ to a Chinese foundry for the best price. See my review on the Philippine Duchesne bronze sculpture in Missouri and the Coca Cola PR stunt with Peter Blake in London. www.artsjournal.com/aestheticgrounds

I have been very impressed with cities like Seattle, that feature sculpture as one of the attractions to their city. I have long been a proponent of having more public art. I would love to have one sculpture in every block of our downtown! I enjoy all types of sculpture from the Sunburst to the Civil War memorial. We need more sculpture, and it's sad that this proposal should receive this excitement, while nothing else happens. There is one other problem, holding our city back: Maintenence. Our DCD has the responsibility for the city's sculpture, but does not have the funds, traning or personal to do this. Consequently they won't permit new sculpture additions without provisions for maintaining it. Maybe the 'bronze-Fonz' gets a thumbs down by the DCD before he's cast. Lastly, I will cast my lot with those who think art should be created by artists. Where is the RFP for this?

E-mail Newsletter

Keep up with the art scene and trends in urban design with art and architecture critic Mary Louise Schumacher. Every week, you'll get the latest reviews, musings on architecture and her picks for what to do on the weekends.